But since when is running a Bitcoin exchange legal too? Everything is in the grey area and there is nothing that will stop the government from slamming your door down and arrest you. Remember Charlie Shrem? I bet you do. He was imprisoned for running and "illegal" payment processor. What stops the people from using Bitcoin exchanges to launder their money? That is another angle law enforcement can look into. With BTCe the owners are safe from any indictment because they are hiding under the shroud of anonymity.